Father Stabbed While Holding 5-Year-Old Daughter on His Lap

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A man was stabbed in the neck while holding his young daughter on his lap while dining at a restaurant on the Ventura Promenade in Ventura, Calif.

Police received multiple calls about a stabbing at the Aloha Steakhouse. Police said the victim, Anthony Mele, 35, and his wife were having dinner along with their 5-year-old daughter at the time of the attack, which appeared to be unprovoked.

Investigators said there was no altercation or contact prior to the attack, and the victim and suspect did not appear to know each other. Officers tracked down the suspect and ordered him to the ground. He complied and was detained on suspicion of attempted homicide.

Police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Jamal Jackson, describing him as a local vagrant. Mele died on Friday from his wounds.